Chicago Blackhawks expect rookie Connor Bedard to return to action next week

Positive news in the Windy City, as their star rookie is nearing his return to the lineup.

On Monday, Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard was on the ice, wearing a non-contact jersey, along with Anthony Beauvillier and Andreas Athanasiou.

After practice, head coach Luke Richardson said that Bedard will remain in a non-contact jersey for the rest of this week. Richardson says he is hopeful Bedard begins practicing with the team next week, and that he will be ready for game action not much longer after that.

Bedard has been out of the lineup since suffering a fractured jaw following a hit by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith on Jan. 5. He ended up having surgery on Jan. 8, and is right on schedule for his timetable to return, which was initially said to be 6-8 weeks.

The former first-overall pick has another doctor appointment and imaging next Monday, which will give the Blackhawks a good idea of when he will be able to get back into the lineup.

Bedard has been everything as advertised, and really rejuvenated a fan base in Chicago that would not have had much to cheer about this season without him around. In his first 39 games, Bedard scored 15 goals and 18 assists. Despite having not played in over a month, he leads the Hawks in scoring.

The North Vancouver native still leads all rookies in goals and points.

When Bedard does get back into a game, he will be a needed breath of fresh air for the Blackhawks, who have struggled to find the back of the net in his absence. In the 13 games since the injury, the team has scored just 19 goals – averaging less than 1.5 goals per game, scoring over two goals just three times.

Chicago (14-35-3) still holds the worst record in the NHL, two points back of the San Jose Sharks. They are back in action on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks.